England Squad Announced – Henry Slade Included

Exeter Chiefs fly half Henry Slade is included in the England squad preparing to face Scotland in the RBS 6 Nations clash on Saturday after Brad Barritt was ruled out of the reminder of the tournament.

The Devon-born 21 year-old, who has featured impressively at inside and outside centre for his club this term, replaces unlucky Barritt after the Saracens centre who suffered an ankle sprain against Wasps on Sunday.

With Sunday’s Leicester Tigers vs Newcastle Falcons match also affecting the availability of players to train, Bath Rugby hooker Rob Webber comes in for Tom Youngs, who will not train fully tomorrow.

Leicester flanker Tom Croft suffered a dislocated shoulder in the same game which will rule him out of the rest of the Championship. The two-time British and Irish Lion, who has suffered a series of injuries, will remain with the club medical team.

Bath Rugby tight-head prop Henry Thomas also suffered a shoulder strain against Sale Sharks on Friday night and will miss the final two matches against Scotland on March 14 and France on March 21.

Locks Geoff Parling and Courtney Lawes both completed their second 80-minute performances in as many weeks at the weekend and they are among a number of players pushing for inclusion after the 19-9 defeat to Ireland in Dublin last time out.

Stuart Lancaster admitted the coaching team have plenty to ponder after some impressive displays.

“The weekend’s games gave us plenty to think about in terms of looking at guys who will have benefitted from the additional game time,” said the England Head Coach. “It’s unfortunate that Brad was injured but Henry has been playing well for Exeter and it’s good to be able to call him in. We also wish Tom and Henry all the best for their recovery.”

Lancaster also outlined positive news on full back Mike Brown, who suffered concussion during the 47-17 victory over Italy, centre Luther Burrell and Kieran Brookes.

“Mike trained fully last Friday while Luther and Brookes should be fit to train tomorrow. We are looking forward to two full days of training before we announce the side on Wednesday.

“Sam Burgess will also come into camp to further his experience of this environment as Bath have no game at the weekend.”